Expanding its global presence, Messe München is set to bring IFAT, the world’s leading trade fair for environmental technologies, to Saudi Arabia for the first time in 2026. A landmark cooperation agreement between Messe München and the National Center for Waste Management (MWAN) was officially ratified, marking a significant step in advancing environmental solutions in the region. The Memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed in Riyadh by Dr. Abdullah Al Sebaei, CEO of MWAN, and Stefan Rummel, CEO of Messe München, in the presence of His excellency Abdurrahman bin Abdul Mohsen Al-Fadhli, Minister of environment, Water, and agriculture.
Embarking on a transformative journey to embed circular economy principles into our regulatory and planning frameworks,” he said. “Our partnership with Messe München will attract local and international investors to help build a modern and advanced waste infrastructure that reflects Saudi Arabia’s ambitions for the coming decade.
Dr. Abdullah Al Sebaei,
CEO, MWAN’s,
A Strategic Expansion for IFAT This partnership strengthens IFAT’s global network, which already comprises 12 successful trade fairs across seven countries. The inaugural IFAT Saudi Arabia will take place at the Riyadh Front exhibition & Conference Center from January 26 to 28, 2026. The event will serve as a hub for industry leaders in waste management, water, and environmental technologies, connecting key players from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Strong and successful international business also secures the economic future of our trade fairs in Munich,” stated Stefan Rummel and Dr. Reinhard Pfeiffer, Co-CEO s of Messe München. “We see great potential in Saudi Arabia and are excited to launch the first IFAT in the Middle East.”
MWAN’s Vision for Saudi Arabia’s Environmental Sector
According to Dr. Abdullah Al Sebaei, MWAN has been at the forefront of a major transformation in Saudi Arabia’s environmental sector. Through extensive regulatory reforms and strategic planning, MWAN is championing circular economy principles while creating hundreds of opportunities for local and global investors. This initiative aims to develop a modern waste infrastructure over the next decade.
Aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030
The introduction of IFAT Saudi Arabia aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, a government-led initiative investing heavily in sustainable economic development. The Kingdom has set ambitious targets, including:
- 91% source-segregated waste
- 79% of waste prepared for recycling
- 90% landfill diversion by 2040
In the water sector, Saudi Arabia is actively expanding desalination projects, water networks, and wastewater treatment plants while ensuring sustainable extraction and consumption of water resources. These efforts are designed to protect the Kingdom’s natural environment while meeting growing national demands.
Unlocking New Markets for Environmental Technologies
The partnership between MWAN and Messe München is expected to open unexplored markets for environmental technologies in the MENA region. With increasing investment in sustainability and circular economy practices, IFAT Saudi Arabia 2026 will play a crucial role in shaping the future of environmental technology in the Middle East.